This is The One

On one of my favorite albums so far - The Stone Roses' self-titled debut. 

The Stone Roses (Reni, Ian, Squire and Mani). My, you can read the arrogance from their faces!

In 1989, this quartet of ambitious British lads released a timeless album. Blending psychedelic music of the 60s, dance music of the 70s and the then growing 80s guitar pop - their effort was perfect fodder for accompanying the raves and trips of the day. It was the seminal 'Madchester' (basically a music scene in Manchester where you abuse Ecstacy and dance like crazy) album that inspired many imitations and spin-offs. But, since not many really care about the obscure drug-fueled 80s anymore, let me get straight into the 13 beautiful tracks this album offers. Tracks which were early milestones of Indie Rock, which partly initiated and helped inspire countless Britpop acts (such as Oasis).

The songs remain fresh even today (they do form a timeless album, remember). In the opener, 'I Wanna Be Adored,' Ian is at his narcissistic best, nonchalant, expecting to be adored. Listen closely for its amazing bassline and guitar hook, which effortlessly leads into 'She Bangs the Drums,' a bass-riff driven pop masterpiece that is undeniably catchy, irresistibly hummable. 

I don't know what instrument gives 'Elephant Stone' its novel rhythm (probably a wah-wah), but its bloody good. Groovy, dreamy, ethereal. Speaking of ethereal, the single riff-driven 'Waterfall' fits the label. Numbingly therapeutic.

'Don't Stop' and 'Elizabeth My Dear' are probably the only incongruous tracks in the otherwise solid album. The former is very experimental (with backward guitar parts and what not) while the latter is just a one-minute Queen Elizabeth dis. 'Bye Bye Bad Man' (incidentally the title of the superb album art), 'Sugar Spun Sister' and 'Made of Stone' on the other hand, are simply put, just brilliant. 'Shoot You Down' and 'This is The One' are softer, dreamier and just carry you away into a world with candy-floss clouds and licorice roads.

The album closes with two ambitious dance tracks (with spare vocals), each over 8 min long. 'I am the Resurrection' is wistful, with long dance sections which I find tedious. 'Fools Gold' on the other hand, with its looping drums and spiky guitars, is the best album climax in history. It takes just one listen for its rhythm to insidiously creep inside of you and urge you, no, leave you with no choice but to dance. Oscillate wildly to it, friends!

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Take out an hour from your lives and listen to this as a whole, for the tracks flow from one to another effortlessly. Best listened while travelling, or before sleeping, for you'll be transported into a dreamy world (candy-floss clouds and licorice roads, remember?). 

As a whole, The Stone Roses is brash without being loud, self-assured without being over the top and so confidently executed that it lies in the realm of larger-than-life, genius albums. Each song has a limited vocal range yet is simple, catchy, infectious, and in this The Roses turn their weakness - Ian's vocal ability - into their greatest strength. Reni's watertight drumming (especially on 'Elephant Stone') is greatly commendable. Squire's guitar work is dreamy yet exuberant. Even the Roses couldn't match (or even come close to) this behemoth, ever again. It would be the most Herculean of tasks to overthrow this beauty as my favorite album.